Kentucky State Police are investigating a number of burglaries in the Sharpe area, while the Marshall County Sheriff’s Department is seeing an increase in property crimes.

Trooper Jay Thomas, public information officer for KSP Post 1 in Hickory, said troopers have worked a number of break-ins in the northweestern corner of Marshall County and are optimistic they have found the source of the complaints.

“This has been ongoing for several months,” Thomas said. “We hope to be on to who is at the center of the activity.”

Sheriff Kevin Byars said his office worked two burglary complaints and six theft calls last week. In October, his office responded to 51 burglary or theft reports.

“It seems to be widespread, and is not concentrated to one area,” Byars said. “We had one burglary ring we found targeting C&C Heating on Kentucky 58. There were three arrests, and things slowed down, but we are still having some reports because we don’t think we have everyone involved. We’ve had complaints from Graves, McCracken, Livingston and Lyon Counties and from across state lines over in Illinois. The odd thing is they are not targeting the high dollar items, but more the flea market stuff.”

“This is the time of year to lock things down,” Byars said. “The economy is driving most of these crimes.”

With holidays upcoming, Byars advised extra scrutiny. He asked for residents to lock doors and windows, keep lights on, use motion sensor lights and to have trusted neighbors keep an eye on the house and to collect newspapers and mail if out of town.

“If you have a Christmas Tree, don’t keep presents around it until the day before you open them. It’s easy pickings for a burglar and too often, trees are in the front window and a sign for thieves,” Byars said.

With hunting season arriving, Byars advised residents to keep camouflage under car seats. Camouflage is often an indicator of firearms in the vehicle.

“Keep your purchases in the trunk and out of view,” Byars advised. “By definition, thieves are lazy. If they have to go to any effort, they may bypass your car and go on to an easier target.”

To further deter burglars, Byars suggested using broomsticks in the jamb of sliding glass doors and on windows.